It used to be that young children wondered about the reality of Santa Claus. Would Santa show up on Christmas Eve? Parents turned the controversy to good ends by threatening us that Santa would not show up unless we were good.
These days, kids have more to worry about for Santa Claus. The North Pole is considerably warmer than it was a few decades ago, thanks to the ongoing global warming that we are causing. This means Arctic sea ice is a lot thinner than it used to be. There’s a good chance Santa’s sleigh will break through the ice and sink into the frigid waters.
Reindeer populations are in steep decline over much of the Arctic landscape. Santa may be able to keep his team healthy for a few more years, but when he needs replacements, reindeer may be hard to find. And I’ve heard that Dasher has had a few bouts of arthritis.
And forests ecologists – using remote sensing to monitor forest health – report that northern spruce and fir forests have been burning more frequently as a result of hot, dry summers. Spruce budworm has also attacked a lot of trees. These changes in the environment could lead to a real shortage of Christmas trees for Santa.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, but we better watch out for Santa, the elves, and the reindeer, or we’ll not hear those hooves on the rooftop.
**********
.
Web Links
Image, posted on November 19, 2009, courtesy of Torley Via Flickr.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio. Support for Earth Wise comes from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY.